Detroit Lions: Fixing the team via the 2019 NFL Draft, Part II
Detroit Lions defense
Aside from concerns up front, the linebackers and secondary are units that require attention. The linebackers don’t have much experience after Devon Kennard. The corners, on the other hand, are lacking a quality starter after Pro Bowler Darius Slay. That is not to say that there is no talent, though; there are some good players who can do some good things, but none are a clear number two.
The Lions have used several players in the CB2 role, depending on the opponent. Nevin Lawson has been used the most, then Teez Tabor, and DeShawn Shead has played there, as well. The positive is that the depth is pretty good.
With the linebackers, the coaching staff is asking them to be versatile. Players need to be able to rush the passer, cover, and tackle in the 2-gap system. They have accounted for 12 sacks, so far. What does seem apparent is that the Lions don’t have an ideal playmaker or the depth that Matt Patricia is looking for, yet.
Linebackers/ Edge
Montez Sweat-DE/OLB, Miss. St.: The 6-5, 240 lbs., Bulldog’s athlete is an edge player who can get to the quarterback. He has 18 sacks between last year and this partial season. I included him in both articles because he fits that versatile mold that Patricia covets and the defense needs.
Devin White, ILB, LSU: 6-0, 240, 4.64 The Tigers best linebacker is a physical presence and perhaps the best linebacker in the country. He attacks the football and is ideal as an inside player. White can also cover receivers, backs, and tight ends.
Jachai Polite, OLB, Florida: 6-2, 242, 4.65 (est.) Polite is an edge rusher and outside linebacker who has very good burst and can close on a play. Rob Rang, a draft analyst for NFL Draft Scout, compared him loosely to Von Miller or Khalil Mack. That’s high praise.
Josh Allen, OLB, Kentucky: 6-4, 258, 4.59 Josh Allen is another name that really interests me, personally. Allen possesses the physical gifts to warrant a first-round selection and is very productive. He can rush the passer and make plays. Allen looks like he could be a star in the multiple sets Detroit employs.
Devin Bush, OLB, Michigan: 5-11, 232, 4.78 Devin Bush is a sideline-to-sideline wrecking ball. Bush is fast to the ball and brings a load for not being the biggest linebacker. He has the versatility to play in the middle or on the outside, and that makes him more attractive.
Cornerback
Byron Murphy, CB, Washington: 5-11, 182, 4.45, Murphy is an elite cover corner, and would be matched up on other team’s WR2 here in Detroit. He has make-up speed, something no one not named “Slay” has.
Deandre Baker, CB, Georgia: 5-11, 180, 4.49 Baker is an SEC-proven commodity. He has experience, speed, and big play ability. A very good athlete in the Champ Bailey mold.